Before & After Kitchen Remodels That Inspire Your Next Project
The Architectural Digest describes a kitchen renovation as one of the most significant investments a homeowner can make, but a successful transformation can do wonders for a home—and its value. Whether your kitchen needs a light refresh or a complete gut renovation, the best place to start is with some inspiration. Small kitchen renovation jobs can inspire homeowners to consider a full-scale kitchen remodel, considering how a remodel can significantly transform your kitchen from a place of cooking to a social hub for any occasion, fostering a welcoming ambiance and comfortable conversations. A remodel can transform your kitchen into a daily or weekly meeting space by setting the mood for meaningful interactions. A kitchen remodel can be your first step toward a complete home transformation that enhances every aspect of your kitchen experience, elevating your home’s value to a whole new level. Redefine your kitchen goals as we explore these inspiring transformations.
1. Real-life case studies of dramatic kitchen transformations
Houzz Magazine features numerous remarkable kitchen transformations throughout the United States. These kitchen transformations range from small-scale renovations to full remodels that encompass not only aesthetic changes but also structural upgrades. From poor kitchen functions and a cluttered look, homeowners found a wide range of ways to turn the situation around with the help of professional kitchen remodels. Let us explore some of these dramatic kitchen transformations that can fuel our real-life kitchen goals.
A. A 1960s ranch house with many rooms in New Jersey was modernized in 2013 through a kitchen remodel. The owners, who had enjoyed their stay in Switzerland, were inspired to upgrade their outdated ranch house with modern, European-inspired elements. The result was a clean combination of white and wood-colored kitchen with contemporary cabinetry, sleek counters, smart appliances, and windows that allow the owners to still enjoy their ranch view.
Fig. 1. A 1960s ranch house in New Jersey with a kitchen modernized in 2013
B. The Queiroz family in California decided to remodel their house, which was built in 1892. The full-house remodel included a complete overhaul of their kitchen, which they described as cramped, making it difficult to entertain guests. With the help of professionals, the large-scale remodel, which included interior demolition, dramatically transformed the dark and unwelcoming kitchen into a more functional and light-filled space with accented walls and two-toned cabinetry. The open layout allows the family to easily see and converse with one another, from the kitchen to those in the dining and living spaces.
Fig. 2. An 1892-built house in California with a fully-remodeled kitchen
C. An artistic couple in New Orleans creatively transformed their kitchen, which was built in the 1800s, into a refreshing space with aesthetic lighting, a farmhouse-style sink, and white cabinets from Ikea. The budget-friendly transformation made the space feel light and airy. The owners spent the most significant amount on plumbing, installing new water and sewer lines, a new water heater, and new drain valves.
Fig. 3. An artistic kitchen remodel for a 1800s-built house in New Orleans
2. Cost and timeline breakdowns for each project
According to Michael Reeve, a UK-based kitchen designer, the average kitchen remodel takes 8 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the project's complexity. He describes the kitchen as the most complicated room in the home to remodel, making it generally a time-consuming process. An editorial by U.S. News featured the average timeline for each type of kitchen remodel.
a. Cosmetic updates (1-2 weeks): This includes minor tasks such as repainting cabinets, changing hardware, updating the backsplash, and other minor modifications.
b. Typical kitchen renovation (4-8 weeks): More complex works take longer, such as adding new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and revising the kitchen’s layout.
c. Full-scale overhaul (8- 12+ weeks): A complete kitchen overhaul can involve demolition and structural changes, such as relocating existing walls and ceilings, which can take several months or longer.
Every kitchen remodel is unique, making it essential to carefully plan your project and consider the factors that affect the kitchen remodel timeline.
Similarly, the cost of a kitchen remodel depends on its complexity, whether it is a minor or major remodel. Kitchen upgrades that cost an average of $60,000 or more can be considered a major kitchen remodel. In Remodeling’s 2025 Cost vs Value Report for Tennessee, a midrange kitchen remodel can cost from $60,000 to $83,000, depending on which part of the kitchen you will invest in.
a. Cabinetry
The cost varies from minor refreshing upgrades to transforming your kitchen cabinetry into a completely customized look. Here are the average costs of your cabinet upgrades:
Refinish or stain cabinets- $1,500 – $4,500
Repainting cabinets- $2,000 – $6,500
Refacing cabinets- $5,000 – $13,000
Replacing cabinet doors- $2,200 – $6,600
Replacing cabinet hardware (handles, hinges, etc.)- $60 – $3,600
Customized cabinets- $12,000 – $36,000+
b. Countertops
The cost of replacing a countertop varies significantly depending on the material used. Here are the following estimated costs per square foot of countertop per material:
Laminate (Formica)- $20 – $80
Tiles- $30 – $100
Natural stone (marble, granite, limestone, etc.)- $50 – $150
Engineered/Solid surface (porcelain, epoxy, quartz, etc.)- $50 – $150
Wood (bamboo, butcher block, maple, etc.)- $50 – $150
Metal (stainless steel, copper, etc.)- $80 – $200
c. Flooring
Like countertops, the cost for replacing kitchen flooring also varies depending on the materials used. Here are the average costs per square foot of some common flooring materials for your kitchen:
Engineered wood- $6 - $10
Ceramic floor tiles- $2 - $9
Laminate- $1 - $13
Vinyl tiles- $1 - $9
Cork- $2.50 - $11
Concrete- $3.75 - $15
Epoxy- $3 - $12
d. Appliances
The cost of new kitchen appliances depends on the quality and size. The average package price for a fridge, microwave, range, and dishwasher ranges from $2,100 to $5,400. The brand of the appliances you choose to purchase and install also plays a significant role in the total remodel cost of your kitchen. You can check the appliance brochures of different brands for the updated unit costs to compare each brand’s pros and cons before deciding what to purchase.
3. Design challenges and creative solutions
Designing a kitchen for a remodel can be a challenging task that involves critical decision-making. Professionals can provide creative solutions to address these design challenges.
a. Limited Space
Maximize your kitchen space by incorporating smart layouts, multi-functional furniture, vertical storage, and floating shelves.
b. Choosing finishes
If you have a small kitchen space, another factor to consider is selecting a color and finish that makes your space appear larger. Consider the recommended trendy colors to choose from Modern Handymen & Remodel’s kitchen remodels.
c. Accessibility
When designing your kitchen remodel, consider accessibility for older adults and individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring ample aisle space for a wheelchair and easy access to frequently used kitchen items.
d. Kitchen Flow and Functionality
Professionals can help you create a kitchen floor plan with the most efficient workflow, strategically placing the sink, stove, and appliances to make meal preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
e. Kitchen Island in a small kitchen
If your kitchen is small, yet you want a kitchen island, choose an island designed with open shelving that can help maintain an airy feel in a smaller kitchen space.
4. Material and layout choices that made the difference
The kitchen can be designed in different styles and layouts to suit your personal taste. With the right material and layout choices, you can transform even the smallest kitchen into a highly efficient workspace. Some of the materials that create the most significant impacts are:
Glass backsplashes or polished countertops that reflect light in the kitchen
Open-layout flooring
Modern-designed floor tiles or laminates
Glass-front cabinets for select uppers
Since the kitchen can be the most crowded part of a home, it is essential to maximize the space. Kitchen remodel offers smart layouts for small kitchens, such as:
One-wall
L-shape
Galley
5. Tips for homeowners planning their own remodel
Determine your design, timeline, and budget for your kitchen remodel. This first step will guide you in making informed decisions for your kitchen remodel.
You can be flexible with your own remodel, but specifying the fixtures and finishes that you want can help you achieve the kitchen style that you dream of.
Colors add personality and style to your kitchen. Choosing the best color for your cabinets will set the tone of your kitchen, as they occupy approximately 40% of the visual space in the room. Also, choose color appliances that complement the colors of your kitchen walls and cabinets.
Strategically place lighting above your workspaces, as this will make your daily routine easier.
When planning your own remodel, hiring professionals can save you stress by handling everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgeting, selecting finishes and fixtures, purchasing products, and overseeing your project from start to finish.
Let the professional team of Modern Handymen & Remodel guide you in planning your dream kitchen remodel. With a long list of completed remodel projects in Nashville, Brentwood, and across Tennessee, Modern Handymen and Remodel has remained one of the most trusted names in kitchen remodels, boasting a 4.9-star rating over the years. Partner with our expert team for a kitchen remodel that inspires every day. Call us at 615-200-8071 to book your kitchen design consultation with us today!
